Shabana FC will look to build on their solid form after winning their first match of the 2025 against Tusker FC, as they travel on Sunday, January 19, in the afternoon to face Bandari FC at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa County.
The match is set to kick off at 1:00 pm local time.
Shabana triumphed last weekend against the brewers, making a comeback to secure a victory that propelled them to fifth place with 23 points from 16 matches.
Christopher Momanyi scored the opening goal for Tusker before Dennis Okoth equalized before halftime, and Ezekiah Omuri netted a late goal to seal a significant three points for the home team.
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Shabana will be heading in the match with just three defeats in their last eight away games.
Their losses include a 1-0 defeat to Mathare United, a 2-0 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz, and a 1-0 setback against Mara Sugar.
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Consequently, Peter Okidi’s side will be eager to notch their second away win, having only defeated Murang’a SEAL at home, with the rest of their matches ending in draws.
Ahead of the match, Peter Okidi is optimistic that the team will maintain the level of performance they’ve showcased at home, despite the challenges they face on the road.
“When you look at it, we have lost two matches away: against Homeboyz and Mathare, but I won’t dwell on those results because I believe we deserved to win. What we need is consistency,” he said after the match against Tusker at Gusii.
“We have our fans, and the way they support us feels like we’re playing at home, no matter where we are. It’s a great boost for us.”
While Shabana seeks to continue their strong form, Bandari FC, on the other hand, are without a win in their last five matches.
Their most recent defeat was a 1-0 loss to Tusker FC, that had followed a 2-0 loss to AFC Leopards at the end of 2024.
Bandari, who were once soaring high, have seen their fortunes wane and have dropped out of the top four. They currently sit in eighth place with 22 points from 15 matches.
Ken Odhiambo will be aiming to lead his side to their sixth victory of the season or face their third defeat. Should things take a turn for the worse, Bandari might have to settle for their seventh draw.
This match is expected to be intense as both teams battle for league superiority.
In another league fixture, Murang’a SEALS will host high-flying Police FC at the Sportpesa Arena in Murang’a County at 3:00 pm.
John Njogu’s side were held to a goalless draw in their first match of the year against Bidco United.
However, they will aim to extend their unbeaten run to five matches. SEALS currently occupy 11th place with 22 points from 16 matches, comprising six wins, four draws, and six losses.
On the other hand, the law enforcers, under Etienne Ndayiragije, have been dominating the league, having lost only once in their last eight matches since he took over.
They will be aiming for an eighth consecutive unbeaten match. They enter this fixture following a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Posta Rangers in their rescheduled match on Wednesday.
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This promises to be an intense encounter between two teams in strong form under their new technical teams.
Elsewhere, at Dandora Stadium, Sofapaka, now without their departed coach Robert Matano, will host Posta Rangers at 3:00 pm.
Similarly, Nairobi City Stars, with a new technical bench following the exit of Nicholas Muyoti, will seek a win against second-placed KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos at 1:00 pm. At 4:00 pm, reigning champions Gor Mahia will clash with league leaders Tusker FC.
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